Words About Things

Usain Bolt set a new world record for the 100 meters in Berlin yesterday, leaving his competitors behind after an uncharacteristically good start. Bolt once again shocked the world by beating his former 100 meter world record by a record amount, he cruised over the line in 9.58 seconds shaving 0.16 seconds off the time set at last years Olympics in Beijing.

Nobody has ever beaten the record by such a large amount in one race and even Bolt seemed surprised at what he had achieved. His nearest rival Tyson Gay put in a personal best record at 9.71 seconds making him the fastest American ever and yet he seemed to finish two steps behind Usain.

Bolt did not celebrate until after crossing the finishing line this time but seemed relaxed before the race, playing to the cameras and working the crowd. Even after two false starts he remained calm and started well.

Bolt has said that he believes he could go as quick as 9.4 seconds although he says that might be the limit. “I could go 9.4 but I think the world stops at 9.4.” The 200 meter final takes place today Thursday and it seems unlikely that anyone could beat Usain Bolt.

See the race in HD here.

For me the most memorable event in last year’s Olympic Games was the 100m Men’s sprint. The sight of Usain Bolt running with one shoelace undone and even slowing down to celebrate during his world record breaking performance made for great television and seemed to come from nowhere. The fact that Bolt seemed to drift past the line with ease whilst finishing meters ahead of his nearest rival showed just how much faster he was than anyone who hyad come before.

Bolt finished that race in 9.69 seconds but researchers from The University of Oslo believe he could have completed the distance in 9.55 seconds had he maintained his speed. To put this in perspective the fastest that anybody else has managed is Asafa Powell in 9.72 seconds (which is a pretty great time itself). Bolt even broke the world record for the 200m at the same games despite a strong headwind.

Yesterday Usain Bolt broke another world record at the Great Manchester City Games completeing 150m in 14.35 seconds.